Electric switch



June 21,1927. 1,632,956

R. G. ELY

ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed May 15, 1926 Inventor ,Z 27/ Attorney Patented June 21, 1927.

1,632,956 PATENT OFFICE.

RAYMOND G. ELY, OF TREXLERTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA.

ELECTRIC swrrcn.

Application filed May 15, 1926.

"This invention relates to a retarded switch which is especially adapted for in association with a trafiic indicator which is adapted more particularly for use at street intersections.

The principal feature of construction of this invention is the novel means employed for controlling the circuit and maintaining it controlled for a predetermined length of time so that a stopsignal will be displayed for a time suflicient to permit the machine to get across the intersection.

My principal object is, of course, to generally improve upon devices of this class by providing one of comparative simplicityand durability, which is composed of details which are reliable, and are so arranged as to provide a practical device always in readiness for operation and positive under all conditions.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and drawings In the accompanying drawings forming part of this application, and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same:

Fig. 1 is an enlarged sectional View showing the switch controlling means.

Fi 2 is a View showing the vehicle operated ail and switch controlling means associated therewith,

Fig. 3 is a view of certain of the details.

The device under consideration is better shown in Figs. 1 and 2. For instance, as shown inFig. 2, the reference character 7 designates generally appropriately shaped casing which embodies a rectangular central compartment 8 and two end compartments 9 of appropriate configuration.

As shown plainly in Fig. 1 an arcuate strip of insulation 10 is attached to one end wall of the compartment, and mounted on this insulated strip is a metallic track 11 of somewhat the same configuration. This con struction is duplicated on an opposite end wall of said compartment. Disposed between the tracks is a bellows 12 of customary design which is provided on its interior and at one end with a sheet 13 of rubber, this end being permanently fastened to another one of the compartment walls. The other end, however, is movable, and is provided with an air discharge port 14 of relatively large diameter and this port is covered by a rubber flap Valve 15. The valve however,

Serial No. 109,427.

is provided with an opening 16 which registers with the port 14. The movable leaf of the bellows is rocked with a shaft 17 mounted for rotation in the compartment, and a spring 18 is associated with the shaft and tends to force the movable leaf to a position to render the bellows normally collapsed.

It might be stated that this movable leaf is provided with contact pins (not shown) atits opposite ends which slide in the tracks 11, a current supply wire 19 being connected with each pin. In addition, this wire includes a portion 20 which is connected as at 21 with one end of the track. At this time, I would direct attention to Fig. 2, particularly, wherein it will be seen that the movable leaf of the bellows. carries an actuator 22 which extends outwardly through a slot 23 of arcuate form. This extension projects into an overhanging portion 24L of the casing 7.

One of the depending arms of a vehicle operated bail 25 is located in this part 2% and this arm is equipped with a projection 26 which is adapted to engage the part 22 as shown plainly in Fig. 2. A coiled spring 27 is connected with the casing and with said one depending arm. In additlon, upstanding flat springs 28 are connected with the other arm and with the supporting bearing 29.

In installing the device, it is located at a predetermined distance from the signalling device (not shown) and the bail 25 is located in the path of travel of the vehicle, making it necessary for the wheels on one side of the vehicle to pass over the bail before reaching the crossing. In so doing, the bail is swung in a direction toward the signalling means 1 which moves the bellows from the normal collapsed state to the expanded condition shown in Fig. 2. The moment that the contact pins on the movable part of the bellows comes into electrical engagement with the tracks 11, the circuit is closed and since this electric circuit is connected with the signalling means, the stop light is illuminated to display the danger signal. As soon as the vehicle has passed over the bail, the spring means 18 serves to return it to an upright position. However, the bellows does not return rapidly. On the downward movement of the hinged leaf the flap valve 16 opens to allow air to be forced into the same. However, when the bellows begins to (ill collapse, the discharge of air through the restricted port 16 compels a slow return, and in so doing, it maintains the electric circuit contacts in engagement with each other suiiiciently long to display the stop sign for a period which will ordinarily serve to permit the vehicle, which has operated the device, to pass beyond the crossing.

It is believed that by considering the de- 1 scription in connection with the drawings,

persons familiar with devices of this class should be able to obtain a clear understand ing of the invention and its advantages and modifications. Therefore, av more lengthy description is thought unnecessary.

lVhile the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that certain changes may be made within the field of the invention claimed, and may be resorted to if desired.

Having" thus described my invention, what I claim as new is 1. In a structure of the class described, a housing, a collapsible bellows mounted in said housing, and normally in a. collapsed state, arcuate tracks mounted in the casing at the opposite end or the bellows, said bellows being provided with contact elements movable in said tracks, a valved port carried by the movable side of the bellows, and spring means for normally maintaining the bellows in a collapsed condition.

2. In a structure of the class described, a casing, a bellows in said casing, contacts associated with said bellows, contact tracks mounted in the casing with which said first named contacts are coo'perable, spring means for normally maintaining the bellows in a collapsed state, saidcasing being provided with an arcuate slot, an actuating element carried by said. bellows and extending through and beyond said slot, a pivotally mounted vehicle operated bail, and a projection carried said bail and engageable with said actuator, whereby to operate said bellows from said bail. Y V

In testimony whereof I attix my signature.

RAYMOND Gr. ELY. 

